The Yoruba religion formed as large numbers of people were taken as slaves. Yoruba, being a language as well, allowed the enslaved to combine their beliefs into one religion, influenced by Catholicism. This new religion had originated on the West Coast of Africa but had spread to the Americas and Caribbeans because of slavery. Now it is extremely popular in Nigeria, Benin and Togo.
http://www.howard.edu/library/reference/cybercamps/camp2002/YorubaFaith.htm
http://www.religioustolerance.org/ifa.htm
2.What is their cosmological view of the world?
Yorubas believe that the Supreme God, Olorun, combined Her scorching glory with that of her eldest daughter's Oludumare. Their glory is water and they tipped the water to form stars and the oceans. Oludumare instructed her "emissary," Obatala, to climb down a golden chain dropped from heaven and to pile dirt into the waters below. Obatala was also given a hen which he placed on the pile of dirt so that the hen would spread it with her feet. After Obatala finished he returned to heaven where Oludumare sent a chameleon to see that the Earth had been successfully created. Before, Olorun retired, Oludumare gave Obatala another emissary named Yemaya. Together they gave birth to many more powerful beings called Orishas. Together their powers form the world we know today.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/ifa.htm
http://www.orishanet.org/ocha.html
http://anthonyuu.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/yoruba-religion-and-the-rapture-of-being-alive/
3. Explain and describe some of their sacred symbols (at least 3).
Yorubas use lots of art in order to focus their worship towards whichever Orisha they choose. Art is a large part of their worship ceremonies. Pottery, seen as a craft, is vital to their story of creation. From Olorun's pot flowed the powers of creation. Finally,women wear geles, or headwraps. This symbolizes imperfection in humans and their drive to be like Yemaya.
http://ir.uiowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1075&context=mzwp
4. What are their sacred locations?
Because of the dispersed Yoruba traditions, there are no sacred places above Church or their place of worship.
http://www.howard.edu/library/reference/cybercamps/camp2002/YorubaFaith.htm
5. Identify their most important gods (good, bad, and trickster). More than the name of the god is needed here.
Olorun is the mother of all the Orishas. From her glory comes the creation of the universe.
Though there are no evil Orishas, Eleggua, can be considered "bad." He decides what happens in the worlds and so he allows for evil.
Shango is the god of earthly pleasures and symbolizes temptations. He has relations with most of the female Orishas, even the married ones and is cited for his hot temper.
6. What are their totems, fetishes, and taboos?
Yorubas partake in large worship ceremonies with drums, dancing, and singing. Yorubas have a system of life called the Ifa divination. In this aspect of the religion one must study and master teachings of Olorun. Because of the European influence, many of Yoruba's totems have been destroyed.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/ifa.htm
7. What is the role of the shaman? How do they view magic?
Yorubas do not have Shamans. However, they belieive in magic, witchcraft, and sorcery. Magic is used to term good things in the world. For example, healing, success, and positive feelings are considered magic. Witchcraft is a female attempt to harm someone with psychic powers. Sorcery is an attempt to harm someone through evil rituals.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/ifa.htm
8. Identify and describe at least 2 or 3 rituals.
Yorubas have rituals for almost any situation including, improving financial status, becoming fertile, or getting married.
The ritual for worshiping Oludumare takes place outside to show her limitless power. A circle is drawn in chalk, a kolanut is placed in the center of the circle and cold water is poured on to it. The nut is then split in half and offered to Oludumare.
A daily ritual for whichever Orisha is chosen has the participant stand before a shrine, either a personal home shrine or a public one, pour water onto a kolanut, ask for something and then split the nut in half.
http://obafemio.weebly.com/uploads/5/1/4/2/5142021/04-1_162.pdf
9. Images that reflect the art of the people, the people themselves, and their geography.
See above.
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